Skin Puppet: Reightman & Bailey Book Three

by Jeffery Craig

  “Is that possible?”

  “Well, sometimes things do get over-looked, but nothing like this. This is major stuff. Could mean a total rewiring of the entire building, and that’s going to cost a pretty penny. Once you start messing with that old wiring, you have to bring it all up to code. Still, that’s not what has me worried. We can handle the electrical, given enough time and money.”

  “What has you worried?”

  “Well, Ms. Reightman, the other stuff about the foundation is a big deal. If there are major problems, they might not be fixable. The whole building might have to come down.”

  Melba’s mind flashed back to the exchange between Zhou and Grokov the night before. “He knew,” she realized, remembering his words. “The bastard already knew about this. He may have even planned it.” She made an effort to keep her face from betraying her panicked thoughts and was relieved her voice remained smooth and even. “That does sound like a problem, but I’m not sure what you want me to do.”

  “Somebody needs to get word to Madame Zhou as soon as possible. I know she’s laid-up in the hospital, but she might be able to find out what’s going on from her connections down at the city offices. They’re not going to tell me much of anything, other than what they’ve already shared.”

  “Okay. I’ll do my best. I have your card somewhere around here, but give your contact information to SarahJune in case I need to get in touch with you. What are you going to do now?”

  “I’m going to load up my stuff, that’s what. Luckily, I have some other projects lined up. Call me when you hear something.”

  “Will do. Thank you for coming by, Mr. Phillips.”

  “It’s Joel,” he winked. “And you’re welcome.”

  She was fuming by the time she made it back to the conference room and was barely able to control herself enough to share the situation and her suspicions.

  “You think Grokov’s repaying her for the slap?” Garfield asked.

  “No. I think this was already in the works, and that worries me. If this isn’t retaliation, then more trouble’s on the way.” She took a deep breath and forced down a mouthful of lukewarm coffee. “Can we try to get Mitchell and Thorton patched in? I need to head down to the hospital and see what I can do to help contain this mess, so if we could go over the rest of the schedule for the week now, it would help.”

  “Why don’t you go on to the hospital?” Edmondson suggested. “I can fill you in later.”

  “I appreciate it, but we signed on to do our best to help find those children and that takes priority. Zhou’s situation is a mess, but it isn’t a life or death situation.”

  Edmondson nodded and soon, the rest of the task force was rounded up and participating via conference call. The first piece of news was the worst.

  “The report came in this morning,” Thorton told them. “Two more missing. Eight year old twins. Boys this time.”

  “Shit!” Garfield expressed the thoughts of everyone listening. “Does this mean the profile’s changed?”

  “Maybe,” Edmondson replied. “Or perhaps the market’s changed. Maybe there was a request, or maybe the traffickers are having a hard time coming up with the number of children requested and are making do with what they can get their hands on.”

  Toby looked up from his notebook. “Is there a…a market for twins?”

  Instead of immediately answering the question, Edmondson leaned into the speaker phone. “Thorton, did you get a good description of the boys?”

  “Yes, Agent, we have descriptions and recent photos. They’re not only twins, they’re identical twins. They’re Caucasians, with white-blonde hair and green eyes.”

  Allen Edmondson leaned back in his chair and sighed. “The answer to your question, Toby, is yes. There is indeed a market for boys of that description. And some buyers will pay an unbelievable sum of money for the chance to get their hands on them.”

  ***

  When the briefing was done, Melba grabbed her purse and followed Toby across the street. They entered the doors to Green Dragon and stopped to check on Lindsi.

  “Is she going to be all right,” the young woman asked, looking up from the book she was studying. Melba recognized one of the tomes Zhou Li had planned to pass on to her apprentice. Although her expression was set in its normal expressionless mask, Lindsi’s voice was hoarse with worry. “She scared me last night.”

  “I think she’ll be fine,” Melba assured her. “Before we know it, she’ll be back behind that counter, bossing us all around.

  “That’ll be good. She left these books for me to read.”

  “How are they?”

  “The stuff inside is complicated, but it’s interesting.” Although her tone of voice expressed boredom, the light in her eyes indicated the opposite. “It’ll take me a long time to learn all of this.”

  “Yes, it will. We better not interrupt your studies any longer. We just stopped so Toby could get a change of clothes for Jon. Do you need a break or anything?”

  “No, I’m fine. Bernice brought some food and water for me this morning and Mondays aren’t usually too busy.”

  “All right. Call SarahJune if something comes up.”

  Toby led the way through the studio and up the stairs to Jon’s apartment. “You’re already exchanging house keys?’ she asked as he unlocked the door.

  “No, he gave them to me last night before he got in the ambulance. But, I think I’ll keep them.”

  He was familiar enough with the layout of the loft to know exactly where to find Jon’s clothes and the small duffle bag he pulled out of one of the built-in cabinets. “I guess they haven’t wasted anytime getting comfortable with each other. Toby certainly seems to be right at home.”

  “I think I have everything he’ll need. If not, I can make another run this evening.”

  “Don’t forget you have an appointment with Lucy Escabar’s teacher this afternoon.”

  He rolled his eyes at the reminder. “I won’t forget. Are you sure you don’t want to come?”

  “Yes, I’m sure. Once I get back from seeing Zhou Li, I’ll stick around here in case something comes up. I’m feeling kind of uneasy about things.”

  “Because of the things Grokov said last night and the situation with the city inspectors?”

  “That’s part of it. There’s something else in the back of my mind that’s making me jittery, but I haven’t figured out what it is, yet. I just think I need to stay close to the office.”

  “Okay.” He handed over the bag and led the way to the front door. After locking up, he stopped on the landing. “Melba, do you think we need to be carrying our guns?”

  She sighed, having been wondering the same thing. “I don’t know. What do you think?”

  “I don’t know either. I don’t like the idea, but I’d hate to need it and not have it.”

  “I don’t like the idea either.” She followed him down the stairs, thinking about the situation. “Let’s see how the next couple of days go. I think we’re okay until then. However, if you get even the slightest feeling things are taking a turn for the worse, don’t hesitate to come home and get it. Okay?”

  “Yeah, I will. Any idea how long you’ll be at the hospital?”

  “No, not really. I thought I’d let Jon have a break. I’ll make sure he gets something to eat and changes clothes while I sit with Zhou Li.”

  “Good. I’m planning to go by this evening, so check and see if he wants me to bring anything else. I’d call, but they don’t like people talking on cell phones. I’ll see you at the office later.”

  “Yeah. It may be after your meeting at the school.”

  “I figured as much.”

  They waved to Lindsi as they walked out the door. Melba headed to her car, and Toby went back to the office.

  ***

  “How’s she doing,” Melba asked Jon, after hugging him and handing over the bag.

  “Resting comfortably. She wants to go home, but her doctor decided to keep
her another twenty-four hours for observation. He has also indicated they will be doing some tests this afternoon. Normally, she’d be putting up a fuss, but for some reason, she agreed.”

  She didn’t offer any comment, which tipped him off. Jon Chiang was a smart guy.

  “Melba, can you think of any reason why they’re doing tests?”

  She considered bluffing, but decided it probably wouldn’t work. “Yes.”

  “Care to fill me in?”

  She hesitated, torn between his desire to know and Zhou Li’s wishes. “I’d like to, but…”

  “She asked you not to share any information, didn’t she?”

  “Yes. How did you know?”

  “I’ve known my Aunt all my life, and am familiar with all of her methods.” He weighed the duffle bag in his hands and nodded in acceptance. “I’ll respect her wishes. Just tell me one thing, and I’ll not bring it up again. Is it something for me worry about?”

  She met his eyes and remained silent.

  “Fair enough. Do you mind sitting with her while I go change?”

  “Not at all. I also have instructions to make sure you go to the cafeteria and get something to eat.”

  He frowned, no doubt thinking about the legendary quality of hospital food.

  “I saw a deli a few blocks from here,” she suggested. “You might enjoy the walk.”

  “Thanks. That’s a better plan. Can I bring you anything?”

  “No, I’ll be fine. There’s a refrigerator of food back at the office. I’ll eat something later.”

  He switched the bag to his other hand and started down the hall. “Melba?” he asked, turning back.

  “Yeah?”

  “You are a good friend to Auntie. A strong ally. She would be proud that you didn’t break her confidence.”

  There was only one response. “Thank you, Jon. She would be equally proud of you for allowing me to keep my promise.”

  He offered a small bow, before continuing down the corridor. She watched him round the corner, and then gently pushed open the door to Zhou’s room and entered. She took a seat in the visitor’s chair beside the bed.

  She watched the sleeping woman for a while, until she had to look away. Zhou seemed so very frail to her as she slept. Melba pulled a dog-eared paperback out from the depths of her purse, and tried her best to distract herself with the novel. The words didn’t make much sense, although she’d read it a few times before. She gave up and simply stared at the pages. A gentle rustling from the bed brought her back to the present and she looked up, meeting Zhou’s black eyes.

  “You’re supposed to be resting,” she admonished her friend gently.

  “I have rested enough.”

  “Can I get you anything?”

  “Yes. My glasses, please.”

  Melba retrieved the spectacles from the rolling bedside table and placed them in Zhou Li’s tiny hands. Zhou cleaned them with an edge of her blanket and placed them on her face.

  “That is better. Now I shall be able to see you as we talk. Before I begin, can you tell me where Jon is?”

  “I sent him to get something to eat. I believe he went to the deli a few blocks from here.”

  “Thank you. That is good. We will have a few moments of privacy.”

  “Yes.”

  Zhou looked off into the distance for a short while. Melba supposed she was collecting her thoughts.

  “They will be releasing me tomorrow, but before then, they will run some tests. Those will be the same tests I was to have done this week.”

  “All right. Why?”

  “Doctors love their tests, even when they are not absolutely necessary.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Zhou sighed and closed her eyes briefly. “I already have some idea of what the test will tell them. I suspect it is a form of cancer, near the top of my spine. Perhaps already moving into my bones.”

  “There are a lot treatments that can—”

  “No.” Zhou raised one hand to interrupt, and shook her head. “I will not seek treatment. I will ask for help to manage the pain when it comes.”

  Melba wanted to argue. She wanted to demand. But she knew it would only upset them both, without changing anything. There was nothing to say. Nothing to do, but wait.

  “I am prepared for the inevitable news. I am not, however, prepared for the rest of the process. I do not suppose one ever really is. It is not the prospect of death that disturbs me. No. I am old, and I am tired. What I am not prepared for is the journey between now, and that moment when my spirit will leave my body. I will need your help, my dear, if you will give it.”

  Melba could only nod, not trusting her voice.

  “I am not ready to tell my nephew, or the rest of my family. I need you to help me keep my secret a while longer. I will not wait long to share the news, but I do not want to do so while I am here, helpless and weak in a hospital bed. Once I am home and stronger, I will tell them. Promise you will keep your own counsel until that time.”

  She struggled to push down the sudden lump lodged in her throat to get out the words. “I promise.”

  “Thank you. There will be other things I will need your assistance with before I am done, but for now, this is enough. We still have steps to walk together, you and I. More than a few.” She closed her eyes again, and for a moment, Melba thought she was asleep. “I must apologize to you and to Toby,” she said softly. “My behavior last evening was unacceptable. I did not mean for any of it to happen.”

  “What did he say to you, Zhou Li? What did he say to upset you so badly?”

  “That is not for now, but for another time. It will all be clear to you soon. However, I am worried about what he will do in the immediate future. Vassily Grokov is not a man to cross lightly and last evening, I injured his pride in a public setting. We must be watchful.”

  Melba wished she didn’t have to tell her, but she’d been given the opening she needed. “I’m afraid he’s already started.” She shared her conversation with Joel Phillips, and the news about the building inspectors’ findings. To her surprise, Zhou Li chuckled softly from the bed.

  “He is very predictable. I am prepared for this and will handle it later this week. If you will, please advise Joel there is nothing he needs to do until then. I may be old and feeble, but I can still bite.”

  “I think Grokov discovered that last night when you slapped him.”

  Zhou Li smiled, and her eyes twinkled behind the frames of her glasses. “I enjoyed that. Not the provocation itself, and not the aftermath that landed me here and spoiled the party. However, the sound of my hand making contact with his skin and the expression on his face delighted me. I suppose that is a horrible thing to admit, but it is the absolute truth.”

  “I think you’re allowed to enjoy it. And as for ruining the party, I think you’re worrying needlessly. We’ll be the talk of the town for weeks to come, and I bet we even get business from it. At least no one can say it was a boring event.”

  “True,” Zhou agreed. “Tell me, has anyone checked on Lindsi? Jon told me she was watching the shop.”

  “Yes, she has everything under control, and we’re all keeping an eye on things. When I left her this morning, her head was buried in one of those big books you gave her to study.”

  “She will likely be quite irritated with me.”

  “I think she actually likes learning and seems to be making progress. Although, with Lindsi, it’s sometimes hard to tell.”

  They chatted for a few more minutes, until Zhou finally closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Melba walked over to the small sink and splashed some cool water on her face, in an attempt to remove any traces of tears. Jon would spot them from a mile away. She’d just made it back to her chair when he returned.

  “How was the deli?”

  “Acceptable. The walk was better.” He nodded toward the sleeping figure of his aunt. “Did she wake?”

  “Yes. For a while.”

  “And did you
talk with her?”

  “Yes. Mostly, I listened.”

  “Ah. I see.” His gray eyes were intent on her face, and she struggled not to shift or squirm. “Thank you,” he said.

  “For what?”

  “For listening while she spoke.”

  She felt the tension flow from her neck and shoulders as she realized they understood each other. Perfectly.

  ***

  Toby was surprised at the amount of time and effort it took to check in at the school, receive his temporary visitor’s pass, and be escorted to the room where he was to meet Lucy Escabar’s teacher.

  He seated himself at the tiny, two-person table, laid his notebook down in front of him, and looked around the room, quickly deciding there wasn’t much to see. No pictures or posters—just blueish-gray carpet, off-white walls, and the table and chairs themselves. He didn’t have much time to bemoan the lack of visual interest. A harried, middle-aged woman wearing a loose, floral print skirt and a pink cotton blouse popped into the room just seconds after he’d situated himself, and smiled apologetically.

  “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting, Mr. Bailey,” she said as she eased the door shut. “I’m Janine Laramie.”

  “I’m Toby. Toby Bailey, with the Reightman and Bailey Agency.” He rose from his seat and offered his hand and then presented her with one of his new business cards. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I know you’re probably ready to head home, and I appreciate your agreeing to stay late.”

  “It’s not a problem,” she assured him. “If I can offer anything which might help find Lucy, it’s worth any amount of time.” She seated herself, indicating he should do the same. “This has all been very upsetting, not only to me, but to everyone here. It’s horrible to think children aren’t even safe walking home from school anymore. When I first heard about Lucy, I couldn’t believe it. Then, the news reported several other girls in the area have been reported missing. I don’t know what the world is coming to.”

  “Yeah, it’s a terrible situation,” he agreed. “We’re doing everything we can do to assist the police in their efforts to find Lucy, and the other girls. I read over the statement you gave the police, and I just have a few more questions. I’m sorry if I ask something you’ve already been over, Ms. Laramie, but, well…I’m kind of new at this, so bear with me.”